CLEAN­UP Committee that sealed properties 10 years ago could be revived: SC

NEWDELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it could consider reviving its monitoring committee that had sealed thousands of illegal commercial establishments in Delhi a decade ago.

The top court also asked the Centre to respond to its proposal to restore the sealing powers to the monitoring committee, a move prompted by the failure of civic authorities to stop rampant unauthorised construction and misuse of residential premises.

“We cannot let Delhi go the way other cities are going and let it flood when there are heavy rains. Unauthorised construction takes a toll on the environment and affects sewage, parking and waste management,” a bench headed by Justice MB Lokur said.

“Prima facie we feel the rule of law has been violated and it has a vital impact on environment in Delhi,” the bench said.

It also sought additional solicitor general AS Nadkarni’s assistance on the next hearing, December 14, so that there is no “breakdown of rule of law in Delhi as far as construction is concerned”.

The sealing case had led to a face-off between the SC and the Centre in 2006, with the court passing sealing orders and the government introducing laws to protect traders.